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Do Not Litter

Bisque Porcelain Can & Paper Bag Vases by Rosenthal Studio-Line "Do Not Litter"
Bisque Porcelain Can & Paper Bag Vases by Rosenthal Studio-Line "Do Not Litter"

Bisque Porcelain Can & Paper Bag Vases by Rosenthal Studio-Line "Do Not Litter"

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in San Diego, CA

Very cool pair of bisque porcelain "pop art" can & paper bag vases by Tapio Wirkkala for the Rosenthal Studio-Line "Do Not Litter" series, circa 1980s. The vases are in very good vi...

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Three Vintage Rosenthal Ceramic Sculptural Paper Bags by Tapio Wirkkaia
Set of Three Vintage Rosenthal Ceramic Sculptural Paper Bags by Tapio Wirkkaia

Set of Three Vintage Rosenthal Ceramic Sculptural Paper Bags by Tapio Wirkkaia

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in North Miami, FL

They are called " The do not litter bags". It is now harder to come by the set of 3 in different sizes as they were originally made.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in London, GB

For sale the iconic “Bag Vase”, designed by the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer and artist, Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" rang...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Space Age Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in London, GB

For sale the iconic “Bag Vase”, designed by the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer and artist, Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" rang...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Space Age Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in London, GB

For sale is an iconic Mid-Century porcelain “Paper Bag" Vase designed by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. This example...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal

Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Malmö, SE

This early paper bag shaped vase of the "Do not litter" collection designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal studio-line is an iconic piece of mid-century modern design.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Post-Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal

Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Malmö, SE

This early paper bag shaped vase of the "Do not litter" collection designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal studio-line is an iconic piece of mid-century modern design.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Set of 3 Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vases for Rosenthal
Set of 3 Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vases for Rosenthal

Set of 3 Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vases for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Malmö, SE

Measurements Large: 19,5 cm x 12,8 cm x 8 cm Medium: 15,5 cm x 11 cm x 7 cm Small: 10,8 cm x 8 cm x 5,5 cm This early brown paper bag shaped vase of the "Do not litter" collection d...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Recent Sales

Set of Post-Modern Rosenthal Germany "Do Not Litter" Bisque Porcelain Vessels
Set of Post-Modern Rosenthal Germany "Do Not Litter" Bisque Porcelain Vessels

Set of Post-Modern Rosenthal Germany "Do Not Litter" Bisque Porcelain Vessels

By Rosenthal

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of two post-modern Rosenthal "Do not litter" bisque porcelain vessels including the crushed soda can and juice box (ca. 2000, Germany).

Category

Early 2000s German Post-Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Rosenthal Vintage White Glazed Ceramic Crushed Do Not Litter Bags Signed Pair of
Rosenthal Vintage White Glazed Ceramic Crushed Do Not Litter Bags Signed Pair of

Rosenthal Vintage White Glazed Ceramic Crushed Do Not Litter Bags Signed Pair of

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in North Miami, FL

This fabulous pair of signed Rosenthal white glazed crushed ceramic bags are called the Do Not Litter Bags. Both are signed in gold Rosenthal on the lower right hand corner which is ...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal “Do Not Litter Bags” Vase
Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal “Do Not Litter Bags” Vase

Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal “Do Not Litter Bags” Vase

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Tapio Wirkkala was one of the most influential of modern Scandinavian artists and designers. He was deeply influenced by the flora and fauna of Finland. This vase was manufactured by...

Category

Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Bisque Porcelain Milk Carton Vase Rosenthal Studio-Line ´Do Not Litter´
Bisque Porcelain Milk Carton Vase Rosenthal Studio-Line ´Do Not Litter´

Bisque Porcelain Milk Carton Vase Rosenthal Studio-Line ´Do Not Litter´

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Diego, CA

Very cool bisque textured porcelain finish vase can be used for kitchen as a pitcher or as a flower vase, its great design and example of POP art.

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Pop Art Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, c.1970s
Mid-Century Pop Art Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, c.1970s

Mid-Century Pop Art Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, c.1970s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in London, GB

For sale an iconic Pop Art porcelain “Paper Bag" Vase designed by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. This example is i...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Space Age Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Paper Bag Vase by Tapio Wirkkala
Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Paper Bag Vase by Tapio Wirkkala

Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Paper Bag Vase by Tapio Wirkkala

By Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Wichita, KS

This is called the do not litter ceramic bag. These are always popular.

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Iconic “Paper Bag Vase”, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer, and artist, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. Th...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Tapio Wirkkala Porcelain Paper Bag Vases
Tapio Wirkkala Porcelain Paper Bag Vases

Tapio Wirkkala Porcelain Paper Bag Vases

Sold

H 7.38 in W 4.75 in D 3.13 in

Tapio Wirkkala Porcelain Paper Bag Vases

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in Dallas, TX

Pair of Paper Bag Vases from the Rosenthal DO NOT LITTER series designed by Tapio Wirkkala. Smaller brown bag measures 2.63" x 4.13" x 6.13" Price is for the pair.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Crystal Buddha
Crystal Buddha

Crystal Buddha

Sold

H 3 in W 2.75 in D 2.25 in

Crystal Buddha

Located in New York, NY

Also available, shown in image #3, designer 'Paper Bag' vase Rosenthal Studio-Line 'DO NOT LITTER' by Tapio Wirkkala, search 1stdibs ID#: LU1314218459492 For French jewelry dish(s) ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Crystal

1980s Blue and Clear Art Glass Decorative Object or Paperweight
1980s Blue and Clear Art Glass Decorative Object or Paperweight

1980s Blue and Clear Art Glass Decorative Object or Paperweight

Located in New York, NY

Measures: 3.38" H Also available, shown in image #4, designer 'PaperaBag' vase Rosenthal Studio-Line 'DO NOT LITTER' by Tapio Wirkkala, search 1stdibs ID#: LU1314218459492

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Studio Line "Bag" Tall Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
Studio Line "Bag" Tall Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

Studio Line "Bag" Tall Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful mid-century Studio Line "bag" vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal, circa 1970's white porcelain crushed paper bags from the "Do Not Litter" collection by Rosenthal of Germ...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Studio Line White Porcelain "Bag" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
Studio Line White Porcelain "Bag" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

Studio Line White Porcelain "Bag" Vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Diego, CA

. #2245 These white porcelain crushed paper bags from the "Do Not Litter" collection by Rosenthal of Germany included a series of unusual decorative everyday objects made with hig...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Diego, CA

These white porcelain crushed paper bags from the "Do Not Litter" collection by Rosenthal of Germany included a series of unusual decorative everyday objects made with high-quality m...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal
Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

Pair of Studio Line "Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Diego, CA

These white porcelain crushed paper bags from the "Do Not Litter" collection by Rosenthal of Germany included a series of unusual decorative everyday objects made with high-quality m...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Porcelain

Rosenthal Glazed Porcelain Crushed Paper Bag Vase Sculpture
Rosenthal Glazed Porcelain Crushed Paper Bag Vase Sculpture

Rosenthal Glazed Porcelain Crushed Paper Bag Vase Sculpture

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in North Miami, FL

This is called the do not litter ceramic bag. These are always popular.  

Category

Vintage 1970s German Organic Modern Ceramics

Materials

Porcelain

Glass Nautilus Seashell Dish
Glass Nautilus Seashell Dish

Glass Nautilus Seashell Dish

Sold

H 1.25 in W 5.75 in D 4.63 in

Glass Nautilus Seashell Dish

Located in New York, NY

Dish measures: 4.63" D x 5.75" W Also available, shown in image #4, designer 'Paper Bag' vase Rosenthal Studio-Line 'DO NOT LITTER' by Tapio Wirkkala, search 1stdibs ID#: LU13142184...

Category

Late 20th Century Organic Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Glass, Cut Glass

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Iconic “Paper Bag Vase”, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer, and artist, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. Th...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Iconic “Paper Bag Vase”, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer, and artist, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. Th...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in London, GB

For sale the iconic “Bag Vase”, designed by the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer and artist, Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" rang...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany
Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Iconic “Paper Bag Vase”, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer, and artist, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. The "Paper Ba...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Iconic “Paper Bag Vase”, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer, and artist, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. Th...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Tapio Wirkkala Paper Bag Vase Brown Porcelain by Rosenthal Studio Line Germany
Tapio Wirkkala Paper Bag Vase Brown Porcelain by Rosenthal Studio Line Germany

Tapio Wirkkala Paper Bag Vase Brown Porcelain by Rosenthal Studio Line Germany

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

This early brown paper bag shaped vase of the "Do not litter" collection designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal studio-line is an iconic piece of mid-century modern design.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century Tapio Wirkkala “Paper Bag" Vase For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in London, GB

For sale is an iconic Mid-Century porcelain “Paper Bag" Vase designed by Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. This example...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s
Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

Mid-Century “Paper Bag" Vase Tapio Wirkkala For Rosenthal, Germany c.1970s

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Iconic “Paper Bag Vase”, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, the great Finnish glassmaker, industrial designer, and artist, circa 1977, for Rosenthal’s Studio Line "DO NOT LITTER" range. Th...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal

Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Malmö, SE

This early paper bag shaped vase of the "Do not litter" collection designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal studio-line is an iconic piece of mid-century modern design.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal

Original 1977 Tapio Wirkkala "Paper Bag" Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Malmö, SE

This early brown paper bag shaped vase of the "Do not litter" collection designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal studio-line is an iconic piece of mid-century modern design.

Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Monumental Tapio Wirkkala Bag Vase
Monumental Tapio Wirkkala Bag Vase

Monumental Tapio Wirkkala Bag Vase

Sold

H 19 in W 13 in D 7.25 in

Monumental Tapio Wirkkala Bag Vase

By Rena Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Monumental bag vase by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal's "Do Not Litter Collection". Wonderfully creative, realistic work with matte glazing and a serrated top edge.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

People Also Browsed

Tapio Wirkkala Huge Paper Back Vase for Rosentahl, 1977
Tapio Wirkkala Huge Paper Back Vase for Rosentahl, 1977

Tapio Wirkkala Huge Paper Back Vase for Rosentahl, 1977

By Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal

Located in Munich, DE

Rare large paper bag vase designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Rosenthal, Germany 1977. This vase is made of porcelain (stoneware) and looks like a paper bag. The vase is m...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

ROSENTHAL - Tapio Wirkkala - Porcelain 'Paper Bag' Vase - Germany - Circa 1977
ROSENTHAL - Tapio Wirkkala - Porcelain 'Paper Bag' Vase - Germany - Circa 1977

ROSENTHAL - Tapio Wirkkala - Porcelain 'Paper Bag' Vase - Germany - Circa 1977

By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in Chatham, ON

ROSENTHAL (Manufacturer, 1879-Present) - TAPIO WIRKKALA (Designer, 1915-1985) - Mid Century pop art porcelain 'paper bag' vase (part of Rosenthal's Studio Line) - featuring a matte f...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

3 Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal Paper Bag Vases, 1970s
3 Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal Paper Bag Vases, 1970s

3 Tapio Wirkkala, Rosenthal Paper Bag Vases, 1970s

By Rosenthal Netter, Tapio Wirkkala

Located in New York, NY

Set of 3 iconic Mid Century porcelain paper bag vases designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rorenthal. Each vase is stamped on bottom.

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Vases

Materials

Porcelain

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Do Not Litter For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic do not litter available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of ceramic, porcelain and metal, every do not litter was constructed with great care. There are 8 variations of the antique or vintage do not litter you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the do not litter you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each do not litter bearing mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern or modern hallmarks is very popular. Rosenthal and Tapio Wirkkala each produced at least one beautiful do not litter that is worth considering.

How Much is a Do Not Litter?

Prices for a do not litter start at $286 and top out at $32,375 with the average selling for $596.

Tapio Wirkkala for sale on 1stDibs

Along with architect Alvar Aalto, the designer Tapio Wirkkala was Finland’s leading contributor to the Scandinavian interpretation of modernism in the mid-20th century. Prolific and innovative, Wirkkala excelled in a wide range of fields, including glass, furniture, porcelain, jewelry and tableware. The hallmark of his talent was an ability to impart a craft aesthetic based on natural forms — leaves, ice, bubbles, birds — to industrially produced designs.

A native of Helsinki, Wirkkala studied at the national School of Applied Arts and took up a career in graphic design. After serving in the Finnish army during World War II, he joined the glassmaking firm Iittala, an association that would continue to the end of his life. Wirkkala learned every aspect of glassmaking in keeping with his belief that an artist-designer should be involved in all stages of production. His best-known works for Iittala are vases and drinking vessels that resemble either carved ice or icicles. In 1956, Wirkkala began a long relationship with the porcelain maker Rosenthal, for whom he designed elegant table pieces, such as the Finlandia coffee service and the biomorphic Pollo vases. 

House Beautiful magazine declared Wirkkala’s Leaf platter the “most beautiful object” of 1951. (The acclaim led to his brief employment stint with industrial designer Raymond Loewy in New York.) That platter was one of the first designs Wirkkala made using laminated sheets of plywood sanded to a smooth surface that resembles an abstract leaf. It would go on to become a motif in many Wirkkala furniture pieces — most notably in inlaid coffee tables for Asko — and in a sense these are the works most emblematic of his personal aesthetic.

Wirkkala was a traditionalist in many ways, but he had a modernist’s practical approach, incorporating his leaf-like spirals into simple, functional objects. That is the core attraction of Wirkkala’s designs: They stand out with a striking, sculptural energy yet blend in as part of a warm and comfortable decor.

Find vintage Tapio Wirkkala furniture on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Decorative Objects for You

Every time you move into a house or an apartment — or endeavor to refresh the home you’ve lived in for years — life for that space begins anew. The right home accent, be it the simple placement of a decorative bowl on a shelf or a ceramic vase for fresh flowers, can transform an area from drab to spectacular. But with so many materials and items to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the process. The key to styling with antique and vintage decorative objects is to work toward making a happy home that best reflects your personal style. 

Ceramics are a versatile addition to any home. If you’ve amassed an assortment of functional pottery over the years, think of your mugs and salad bowls as decorative objects, ideal for displaying in a glass cabinet. Vintage ceramic serveware can pop along white open shelving in your dining area, while large stoneware pitchers paired with woven baskets or quilts in an open cupboard can introduce a rustic farmhouse-style element to your den.

Translucent decorative boxes or bowls made of an acrylic plastic called Lucite — a game changer in furniture that’s easy to clean and lasts long — are modern accents that are neutral enough to dress up a coffee table or desktop without cluttering it. If you’re showcasing pieces from the past, a vintage jewelry box for displaying your treasures can spark conversation: Where is the jewelry box from? Is there a story behind it?

Abstract sculptures or an antique vessel for your home library can draw attention to your book collection and add narrative charm to the most appropriate of corners. There’s more than one way to style your bookcases, and decorative objects add a provocative dynamic. “I love magnifying glasses,” says Alex Assouline, global vice president of luxury publisher Assouline, of adding one’s cherished objects to a home library. “They are both useful and decorative. Objects really elevate libraries and can also make them more personal.”

To help with personalizing your space and truly making it your own, find an extraordinary collection of decorative objects on 1stDibs.